Royal Thai Air Force Unveils 'Laser Gun' - A Homegrown Energy Weapon Against Drones

On February 9, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) Commander Air Chief Marshal Seksun Kantha visited the Air Armaments Department to witness a demonstration of a prototype laser gun. The early-stage development weapon features a laser beam generator of approximately 10 kilowatts, capable of creating temperatures between 300-400 degrees Celsius at 50-100 meter ranges. The laser gun is designed with an aluminum structure to reduce weight and manage heat, with an electronic trigger system and laser beam compression technology that can damage electronic targets. Air Vice Marshal Manoch Aripong, head of the Air Armaments Department, personally demonstrated the prototype, emphasizing its potential as a proof-of-concept for directed energy weapons. The primary goal is to develop indigenous anti-drone equipment and address emerging security threats. The weapon includes additional features like thermal camera mounting rails, laser pointers, safety switches, and heat dissipation systems, marking a significant step towards future military innovation.